I Dream of Zombies (11 page)

The government has released instructions for the evacuation of the capital. This will be carried out in stages. With a population of eight million, this is going to be a long process and the government asks for patience and calm. Please do not panic.

If you have been bitten by a stranger, you must report it immediately. You must not go to
just any hospital, but to one of the army hospitals. This is very important. Anyone who has been bitten will be turned away otherwise. It is believed the virus is passed through saliva and victims who have been bitten will have developed the illness, even if they are not showing symptoms. These symptoms include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, confusion, sweating, bloodshot eyes, lethargy and feeling generally ill, similar to flu. Later stages include fever and increasing aggression.

It is believed
the incubation period of the virus is swift, so it is imperative you seek help immediately if you think you are infected, or you will be putting yourself and others at risk. Think of your loved ones – would you want to pass on the virus to them? Therefore you must report to one of the army hospitals that have been set up. A list of numbers will follow this announcement.

People in nursing homes, hospitals and prisons will remain where they are. Army and police protection will be provided or strengthened
in all areas, as appropriate. There will be a series of websites with information, and this will also be broadcast on TV and over the radio. We ask that you only access the website when needed as too many users at once could cause the system to collapse. Leaflets will also be distributed door to door through each borough council.

Local transport networks and postal systems inside the capital will be decreased gradually. Some trains will still be running in order to evacuate people. These will be monitored by the army and police. Due to fear of panic, media networks and newspapers will be shut down. All media releases will come from the government.
Any protests in the streets will be dealt with heavily as they will put the general public at risk.

Evacuations will occur by borough. You will be taken to a safe facility
, accompanied by members of the armed forces. Each person is allowed to take luggage equivalent to two suitcases and up to two carrier bags of food. Children should be carried where possible. We regret you will be unable to bring pets with you. Animal specialists will move pets to secure areas and you will be told where they are.

It is not advisable to remain with your pet
in your home as you will be placing yourself and your family at risk. We are expecting the evacuation to be short term and that people will be able to return to their homes once the current danger has been eradicated.

International internet connections will terminate at midnight tonight. The country has been quarantined. There will be no passenger aircraft leaving or entering. Further announcements will be broadcast during the day. A list of numbers and website addresses will follow.

The general public should remain in their homes at all times. As mentioned, transport has been cut to the bare minimum. Only key workers should attempt to go to work. No one should approach anyone who has been bitten or who is acting in an aggressive manner.

If you know someone who has been bitten you must contact the police or other authorities as soon as possible, and quarantine the person. I repeat: do not attempt to approach a member of the public who has been bitten. You will be placing yourself at risk.

We thank you for your cooperation and patience.

“The internet has gone down,” said Marla, closing her laptop. “The government has blocked it.”

“There must be a reason,” said Ellen.

“Government conspiracy,” exclaimed Marla. “They don’t change.”

***

“Hi, Mum, yes we’re fine,” said Ellen. “How are you?
Great. How’s kitty? Cool. Yes, we’re waiting to hear about that. They’re evacuating people in sections – streets and areas. People living in tower blocks seem to be staying in them, but they are being secured and guarded by the army. Food? Yes, no problem. It’s being shipped in. Everything is still working, yes. No problem. Yes, it’s true that we have a curfew. We’re allowed out during the day, but we’re seeing police and army everywhere. Yes, we’re fine. Don’t worry. Honest. I’ll pass you over to Marla…”

***

The curfew has been extended. As murders have risen yet again in the capital, people are advised not to leave their homes at all unless it is to
buy essential items. The army is guarding shops and companies to prevent looting. With the essential companies existing on the bare number of staff, the economy is suffering. The government is looking to the United Nations for assistance. The FTSE Share Index continues to fall…

Do not attempt to approach any member of the public who has been bitten or is acting in an aggressive manner. The police and army will use tranquiliser guns to bring the person under control. Please do not attempt to do this yourself. If you encounter a person who has been bitten you are advised to run or defend yourself. Unwarranted violence will not be tolerated, however, and will be dealt with accordingly. The presence of armed police and soldiers will be increased on the streets.

We ask for your patience while we organise the evacuation of your area…

***

The government has announced that the virus is still contained in the city, but it is
now widespread. You are advised to stay in your homes until further notice. The government has taken the unusual step of relaxing the law and given permission for people to arm themselves in self-defence only. The sale of guns is still prohibited.

***

All schools across London have closed. All non-essential companies have closed. The bus and train networks are operating at
a minimum. Stand by for evacuation announcements for your locality. Gas, electricity and water will continue to run. If you are running out of essential items, please email the person on the leaflet distributed by your council. Do not leave your home. Internet communications have been suspended. Mobile networks are expected to be suspended in due course. Other telephone communications will be maintained.

It is extremely dangerous for you to leave your home. The government and essential staff have been evacuated from the capital. Phase one of the evacuation of the public was a success. We are now entering phase two. Pets are being collected from the homes of the evacuees. They will be kept safe until people return to their homes.

***

The United Nations and the United States of America have promised aid. The government is in talks as to how to proc
eed with the current situation.

***

“All set?” Marla
called up the stairs.

Ellen appeared at the top of the
flight. “Yep. Want me to bring anything else down?”

“Nope, all the food and stuff is in the boot, if they allow us to take that much.”

Ellen hauled her rucksack on to her back and balanced carefully down the steps. “Where’s Tommy?”

“He’s in the showroom. Bob has his own area
, and Tommy’s put down a lot of food and drink for him. He doesn’t want to leave him behind,” Marla explained sadly.

“D
on’t blame him,” Ellen replied.

“I just hope they’re not lying when they say all the
animals will be collected and taken later. I mean it seems weird having to copy keys and just hand them over.”

“Why?” asked Ellen. “It makes sense to me. Imagine the chaos if everyone took their cats and dogs today? Don’t you trust them?”

“The government? Ha, no!” Marla scoffed. “Come on,” she added, opening the door for Ellen to walk through.

They strode across the floor of the showroom and found Tommy sitting on the ground with his dog on his lap.

“Ready?” asked Marla.

“Just a minute,” he replied. “Maybe put everything in the boot and get in the jeep. I’ll be
with you in a sec.”

“He’ll be okay,” said Ellen. “They’ve got the animal rescue centres collecting pets – they’re specialists. He won’t get hurt or anything.”

“I know, but he’s used to me. Just give me a second with him and I’ll be with you.”

Ellen nodded and followed her sister to the jeep. Tommy glanced down into the
faithful pair of big brown eyes and swallowed. “Sorry, boy, I have to leave you, but I’ll see you soon. You be good.”

Bob looked up at him, lolling his tongue and panting heavily. He stood up, wagging his tail.

“I know. It’s time to go,” said Tommy, rising to his feet. He bent and cuddled the Labrador one last time. “Be seeing you.”

Turning, he
wandered to the door of the showroom and opened it. He waited until the jeep passed through and then followed, closing it behind him. Through the glass he saw Bob run towards him, wagging his tail. The dog paused, looking confused. Gut-wrenching was the only phrase Tommy could think of. With a small wave, he backed away slowly and headed for the passenger side of the jeep. Sliding on to the seat inside, he didn’t glance at anyone and mumbled, “Just drive.”

Marla nodded. The sun was blazing, which seemed
out of tune with the mood of the day. All along the street people were packing cars with their belongings. Some homes were already empty, their owners having left the city before it was sealed off. But some families had chosen to stay, to sit it out, relying on faith or just disbelief that they could catch the virus.

Ellen glanced out the rear window and watched the showroom grow smaller. From behind a
willow tree by the side of it, a man stepped out of the shadows. He stood still, staring after the jeep. She squinted in the sunlight, but then he was gone.

“We’ve got plenty of time to get to the evacuation point,” said Marla, glancing at her watch. “I hate rushing, so that’s good.”

Tommy was lost in his own world, so she did not push the bid for conversation. She glanced at her sister in the rear-view mirror and then concentrated on driving. Every street showed the same story: families leaving. No one was arriving. Anyone who chose to stay was just fooling themselves, she thought. The world had gone to hell; there was no changing that. Anyone who refused to believe it now... well, it might be too late for them when they finally woke up.

Stopping at a junction, Marla tried to think of something else, not liking the direction her thoughts were taking. It was just too depressing and what right did she have
to judge other people’s motives? Perhaps those who chose to stay were the wise ones. Who would want to live in a world populated by dead people? She shook her head slightly as she drove the jeep forward again. The evacuation camp would be a safe place and the government would find a solution. The army would destroy the dead or trap them. She had no faith in the government, however, not after... Right, that’s enough, she told herself, or I’m going to go crazy in the next five minutes.

“You okay?” asked Ellen after about twenty minutes of silence.

Her sister’s words shattered Marla’s vicious circle of thoughts and she was glad of it. “Yes, little sis, I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile. “Just thinking too much...”

“Can we stop at some place, so I can use the loo?”

Marla nodded. “Sure. I could do with an ice-cold drink of something. How about you, Tommy?”

He bristled. “I’m easy.”

She didn’t push it and focused on her driving, although that was difficult with the sheer amount of traffic on the roads. Everyone was heading in the same direction: out. It would be another hour until they reached the edge of London, she guessed; the destination where all the evacuees from their designated area would be put on coaches to various army camps and other facilities. Their passports would be copied and they were to hand over copies of their keys and addresses if they wanted their pets or relatives collected. Some people could not leave their homes for various reasons: the sick, infirm or those who needed home care. All would be reunited at their final destination, so they had been told in the government announcements and leaflets. There was no national postal service anymore. That had ended.

“This will do,” said Tommy, gesturing towards a pub
squashed between a newsagent and a launderette. “Everything you could ever want – booze, toilet, food and washing.”

“Nice,” said Ellen. “I guess a pint is out of the question, unfortunately.”

“Yeah, they said that anyone who was drunk would not be able to ride the coach.”

“Not even one?” asked Tommy.

Marla shook her head as she drove the jeep into the car park behind the pub and found a space at the far end next to a garage and some trees.

“You tease!” he joked.

She smiled, glad that his sense of humour had returned. Locking the jeep, she suggested, “Pit stop first,” and they headed towards the pub. Walking inside, they found the place deserted except for a group of old men huddled around one table in the corner. By the loudness of their voices, they were clearly drunk and had been for most of the day. Ellen headed in the direction of the toilets while Marla walked up to the woman behind the bar. “I’m surprised you’re still open,” she remarked.

“We’re leaving tonight,”
the landlady replied. “What can I do for you?”

“Can we get three
colas?” asked Marla. “I need something cold.”

“Sure.” The woman turned and picked up three glasses. “Are you heading for the coaches?” she asked as she poured.

“Yep.”

“Do you know where you’ll be going
?”

Marla shook her head. “They haven’t said, but it’s gotta be safer than staying here.”

“You’re right there. I’m waiting for my husband to get back with our relatives and then we’ll be off. I’ll be gutted to leave this place and I’ll worry it will get trashed while we’re away, but what can we do? It’s our business, but other things are more important. Here you are... Put your money away, they’re on the house. I just stayed open in case anyone wanted anything.”

Marla smiled. “Thank you. I hope you have a safe journey.”

“You too,” the woman replied.

Picking up the three glasses,
Marla joined Tommy and Ellen at a table. They drank in silence, relishing the refreshing, ice-cold liquid and each taking a long glance around the room as if the normality of such a place would soon be lost.

“Do you think we’ll come back?” asked Ellen after she finished her
cola.

Marla shrugged.

“Something tells me no,” Tommy replied, leaning back in the chair. “This place isn’t going to be the same again.”

“I still can’t believe it,” said Ellen softly. “But some people are carrying on as if nothing is happening,” she added, nodding towards the old men carousing.

“Perhaps that’s their way of dealing with it or maybe they have no intention of leaving,” Tommy suggested.

“Ready?” asked Marla, standing up.

They rose, waved to the landlady and wandered out into the sunlight.

“I’m going to get some gum from the shop,” said Tommy, walking away.

The two girls stood waiting, glancing at the passing traffic. Within a few minutes, he returned, chewing and smiling. “Want some?” he asked.

“You remind me of a cow chewing the cud,” joked Ellen.

“A-ha, you’re full of compliments today.”

Marla giggled as she walked across the car park towards the jeep. Ellen nudged Tommy and ran ahead. As he looked up he caught the movement of something out of the corner of his eye and he stopped. It
swerved to his left. Turning, he took in the stranger’s lumbering walk, reminding him of the man who had hunted down the old couple and tried to get into his car. He was one of them – dead, yet alive. Glancing back to the pub, Tommy was relieved to see no one else there. The car park was a square between buildings, trees and garages. The thing would be easy to outrun if need be.

“Tommy!”

He spun around to see two figures lunge out of the shadows, approaching from the other side of the car park. Reaching for the knife in his pocket, he walked swiftly towards the solo artist and sank it into its shoulder. The body hit the floor. Kicking it away as its arms flailed in a bid to grab his leg, Tommy picked up a brick and sank it into the head of the thing. The bones shattered. Withdrawing the knife, he cleaned the edges on the freak’s clothes and checked the other direction. There were not two, but three of them. Where was Marla? Glancing her way, he saw her take her old Glock from the jeep and hand her new one to Ellen.

Without pause, Marl
a ran towards Tommy and fired at the nearest creature: a bull’s eye in the forehead. It sank like a stone in a pond. Striding forward she shot again and the second dead-looker hit the deck. “Another two behind you,” she instructed.

Tommy
readied his knife and walked towards them. “Where are these freaks coming from?”

Raising her gun,
Marla fired at the dead woman in front of her. She sank, but staggered to stand once more. Marla tried again, this time aiming at the head. She stayed down. “The garages and alleys between these houses, I should think. It’s like a maze back there,” she answered, striding towards the pub and eyeing the gap between the building and its neighbour.

The space was as black as pitch; a good place to hide. Speeding up, she noticed a woman op
en the back door of the pub. “Get back in,” she shouted out. “There are biters out here!” The immediate slam made her smirk for no reason and she turned into the darkness. “Just as I guessed,” she murmured as she fired two shots into the heads of the lurking dead. Without another thought she opened the door of the pub and ran inside.

A low groan
made Tommy crane his neck to look behind him. A cold chill trickled down his skull. “Shoot him!” he yelled, kicking one of the freaks backwards as he stabbed the point of his knife into the head of the one immediately behind him.

“I can’t,” Ellen stammered, holding the gun
in front of her between her trembling hands.

“You have to. Don’t think of it as human…”

“But it was once,” she said as tears slid down her cheeks. “I can’t.”

As the thing crept nearer, drooling blood and phlegm, the girl
found that she could not drag her eyes away. The eerily vacant expression in the eye sockets of the figure stumbling towards her was almost hypnotic and its gaping mouth omitted a sound so haunting as to make her want to cry. The deadened face was twisted, its right hands outstretched. Ellen backed away. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tommy stab another victim in the head and heard it collapse to the ground. Unable to move her fingers on the trigger, Ellen stepped backwards sharply until she felt the firm coldness of a wall behind her. There was nowhere to go and the thing was getting closer.

“No!”

Her sister’s scream lifted Ellen’s eyes to the right as the skin-torn bony fingers in front of her stretched closer. Tommy lunged across the parking lot as a single shot rang out in the silence, discharged from Marla’s gun. Blood and brain spurted out of the hole in the dead thing’s head as it slumped down. Ellen stood frozen, her hands still gripping the Glock, but they were shaking as hard as her heart pounded in her chest.